On Saturday, October 5, a forum will focus on the impacts of the US invasion and
occupation of Afghanistan examining the human, financial and political tolls the 12-year-long war
has taken. The forum, titled "No More Afghanistans--The Cost of Endless War" will begin
at 7:00 PM at First Unitarian Church's Fuller Hall (in the basement), at 1011 SW 12th. The forum
is expected to include
a discussion with Afghan peace activists who are in Kabul.
In the 12 years since 9/11 and the US invasion of Afghanistan, the US has engaged in perpetual
war.
Despite the proposed drawdown of troops, it is likely the US will continue to occupy and influence
as they
have to some extent in Iraq. Drone attacks in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia (and threats against Iran
and Syria) continue while the US
economy
suffers and veterans returning home with physical and psychological wounds continue to be
ignored.
Women and children, who are always at risk of violence, often suffer disproportionately in
wartime.
Speakers scheduled to take part in the event are:
* economic impact of endless war
-->Marty Hart-Landsberg, professor of economics from Lewis and Clark
* veterans issues and suicides
-->Penny Dex, a veteran of the US Army who co-founded Veterans Transition
Corps**
* impact on women and children
-->Carol Urner of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
* the drone wars
-->Trudy Cooper of Code Pink (who traveled to Pakistan in October 2012).
* US "withdrawal" from Afghanistan/similarities to the ongoing occupation of Iraq (including
"contractors")
-->Afghan Peace
Volunteers
(via Internet hookup)
The event will be hosted by Jenka Soderberg, evening news
director at KBOO 90.7 FM.
Event coordinated by Peace and Justice Works Iraq Affinity Group.
Cosponsors include American Friends Service Committee, Women's International
League
for Peace and Freedom-Portland, Portland Peaceful Response Coalition, RecruiterWatch PDX,
18th
Avenue Peace House, Occupy Portland Elder Caucus, Peace Action Group of the First
Unitarian Church, Veterans for Peace Chapter 72, and Oregon Physicians
for Social Responsibility.
Endorsers include Portland Jobs with Justice and Freedom Socialist Party.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, if your organization would like to cosponsor or endorse, or to get involved,
please contact the Peace and Justice Works Iraq Affinity Group at 503-236-3065 or email us at iraq@ pjw.info . Check out the
Facebook event at
https://www.facebook.com/events/213231575509664.
The Iraq Affinity Group is also cosponsoring the Portland Peaceful Response Coalition's weekly
Friday Rally for Peace and Justice on Friday, October 4 at 5:00 PM. The rally and march have
taken place weekly at Pioneer Courthouse Square (SW Yamhill and Broadway) since November
2001. The October 4 event is titled "Afghanistan 12 Years
Later: Bring All the Troops and
'Contractors' Home!". The Friday rally is also endorsed by Freedom Socialist Party.
- END -
Related event:
Also on Friday, October 4, Occupy Portland will be screening the film "Occupy Love" at the First
Unitarian Church at 7 PM. More information at the Occupy Love facebook event
page.
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*PJW does not endorse
facebook but recognizes its usefulness as an organizing tool
**Note: Penny Dex is speaking in place of Ian Lavallee as of October 3.
